Frankenstein english 12
1.What events occurred in Mary Shelley's personal life that may have influenced her interest in Galvanism? (Be sure to include an explanation of Galvanism in the answer.)
2.What is hubristic ambition?Which character is guilty of this? Explain the character's actions that led you to this opinion.
3.One of the themes in Frankenstein is 'Humanity vs. Monstrosity'. Explain what this means. Give an example of this theme from events that have taken place or are taking place in the today's society.
1. Mary Shelley's personal life was marked by tragedies, including the deaths of her mother, her half-sister, and her first child. These losses may have influenced her interest in Galvanism, a theory that was popular during the time in which electricity was thought to have the power to restore life to the dead. Shelley's fascination with the idea of reanimation likely stemmed from her own experiences with death and loss.
2. Hubristic ambition refers to excessive pride and arrogance, often leading individuals to overreach and ultimately bring about their own downfall. In Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein exemplifies hubristic ambition through his obsessive desire to create life from death. Despite warnings from others and the disastrous consequences of his experiment, Victor continues to pursue his ambition, believing himself to be capable of playing god. This hubris ultimately leads to the destruction of both himself and those around him.
3. 'Humanity vs. Monstrosity' in Frankenstein explores the idea of what it means to be truly human and the consequences of straying from that humanity. The novel highlights the way in which society often ostracizes and demonizes those who are different or perceived as monstrous, such as the Creature. This theme resonates in today's society with the ongoing debates surrounding immigration, racism, and other forms of discrimination. The treatment of marginalized groups as 'monstrous' highlights the struggle for acceptance and understanding in a world that often values conformity over compassion.